In Fayette County, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob offer two distinct ways to experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture. Historic sites and experiences on the water or on foot provide other perspectives. What connects them is less a single, unified itinerary than the variety of discoveries to be made.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architecture
Fallingwater is a cultural landmark in Fayette County, built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1936 for department store owner Edgar J. Kaufmann. The house is a National Historic Landmark and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A guided architecture tour explores the interplay between architecture and nature: it takes visitors across the wooded grounds, through the interior and onto the projecting exterior terraces. Check the tour’s availability and booking terms in advance, as they may change.
Kentuck Knob is also an architectural landmark in Fayette County, designed by Wright and an example of his Usonian architecture. The 45-minute house tour, led by a tour guide, includes the inside and outside of the house. A sculpture collection along a walking path also features works by contemporary artists, including Sir Anthony Caro and Andy Goldsworthy. Since access conditions may change, it is a good idea to check them before your visit.
History Along and Beyond the National Road
Mount Washington Tavern is now a museum dedicated to life along the National Road. Searights Tollhouse is part of the National Road Heritage Corridor and is maintained by the Fayette County Historical Society. Both sites offer a window into the road’s history, while Friendship Hill focuses on a different biography.
Friendship Hill is Albert Gallatin’s restored country estate. It highlights his achievements and contributions to the country he chose as his home. The three sites focus on different subjects: life along the National Road, the corridor’s heritage and Gallatin’s story. When visiting these cultural sites, you can follow the topics that interest you most.
Water and Outdoor Trails
Ohiopyle State Park serves as a gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Whitewater rafting is available on the Youghiogheny River in the park for all experience levels. At Meadow Run, visitors can slide down two natural water slides in the stream bed; be aware of natural hazards. The two water experiences are different: whitewater rafting is the main attraction on the river, while Meadow Run offers the chance to move through natural slides.
The hiking trails also offer different points of interest. A total of five miles of trails around Fort Necessity wind through forests and meadows. At Jumonville Glen, a hiking trail features interpretive signs. The site is open seasonally from May 1 to October 31. While the length and scenery of the trails stand out at Fort Necessity, the signs make information part of the walk at Jumonville Glen.
A Saturday ride on the Sheepskin Trail offers an opportunity to visit the Dunbar Historical Society’s Education Center. Since the schedule may change, check the current visiting hours in advance. The planned 32-mile route includes an initial section; an extension through the center of Fayette County to Point Marion is planned. At the state line, the trail is also intended to connect with the West Virginia Rail-Trail System. These connections are future plans and should not be mistaken for an already completed route.
Practical Travel Information
Visitors need a car to get to Fallingwater; there is no public transportation. Since transportation options may change, check how to get there before your visit. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fayette County, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: architecture tours, history along the National Road, or activities on the water and hiking trails appeal to different interests.
Discover more destinations: Uniontown, Connellsville, Wharton, Champion, Perryopolis, Dauphin, Mercer, Somerset County.
For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.
